MMR hysteria on 5 Live
Just listened to a caller on BBC Radio 5 Live who was talking about why she had not allowed her child to have the MMR vaccine. She said that the Government hadn’t adequately answered questions about the safety of the triple jab following the (now discredited) research by Dr Andrew Wakefield.
Asked what should be done to combat the increased instance of children getting measles – she said that three separate vaccines for Measles, Mumps and Rubella should be offered to worried parents.
Why?
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that three separate jabs are any safer than one single combined vaccine.
Plus, why should the Government foot the bill for someone choosing to believe discredited research?
MMR is supported by the Royal College of Nursing, Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, Royal College of General Practitioners and the British Medical Association. Surely a hint to anyone that experts trust it.
Connie’s had her MMR jabs. When it’s time, our soon-to-be-here boy (Ernie) will have his too.
Yes, it’s a parental right to choose to vaccinate or not vaccinate your child. That doesn’t mean that blame can be put at the door of the Government when your child becomes ill because of your irrational fears.
I live opposite a family who’s 12 year old boy developed autism after the MMR. They are convinced it was the combined injection as there was no history of autism in their family.
We chose to go for seperate injections with Ben and I’m glad we did. It cost a lot but what price piece of mind?
I’ve heard today in the media that a new version of the MMR combined jab is about to be launched and it is not just a coincidence that this issue has reared its ugly head yet again.
Choice should be available on the NHS: combined one time visit or single multi-visit.
I can understand your train of thought.
However, it all comes down to a deeply flawed study. You might feel reassured going for single shots, but there is no clinical evidence that supports that move. It’s a decision based on the speculation of one person rather than the majority of the world’s medical professionals.
If you were admitted to hospital, you’d want the healthcare team to use treatment that was based on current, peer-reviewed evidence. Relying on the research of a discredited doctor seems to be far from wise.
Wakefield and certain areas of the press should be ashamed of themselves. Unethical research methods combined with irresponsible, sensationalist reporting has put many children at risk and made parents worry unnecessarily. It isn’t surprising that Wakefield has been charged with misconduct by the General Medical Council.
I fundamentally disagree with offering the choice of single shots on the NHS. Leaving aside the financial implications of this option, there is no credible reason for doing it.